The Bargainer Series Book 1: Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa

The Bargainer Book 1

Callypso Lillis is a siren with a very big problem, one that stretches up her arm and far into her past. For the last seven years she’s been collecting a bracelet of black beads up her wrist, magical IOUs for favors she’s received. Only death or repayment will fulfill the obligations. Only then will the beads disappear.

Everyone knows that if you need a favor, you go to the Bargainer to make it happen. He’s a man who can get you anything you want... at a price. And everyone knows that sooner or later he always collects.

But for one of his clients, he’s never asked for repayment. Not until now. When Callie finds the fae king of the night in her room, a grin on his lips and a twinkle in his eye, she knows things are about to change. At first it’s just a chaste kiss—a single bead’s worth—and a promise for more.

For the Bargainer, it’s more than just a matter of rekindling an old romance. Something is happening in the Otherworld. Fae warriors are going missing one by one. Only the women are returned, each in a glass casket, a child clutched to their breast. And then there are the whispers among the slaves, whispers of an evil that’s been awoken.

If the Bargainer has any hope to save his people, he’ll need the help of the siren he spurned long ago. Only, his foe has a taste for exotic creatures, and Callie just happens to be one.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25820414-rhapsodic

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Seven years ago Callie called the feared Bargainer to make a deal. A while he was lenient and helped her out, Callie couldn't help but be drawn to him. Thus began the IOUs for each favor she called. For after her first deal all she wants to do is see him again...and again...and again. Until one day he leaves for good. But now, years later, the Bargainer is back and he is looking to collect his IOUs. All 300+ of them... Callie isn't sure what he wants but she also isn't sure if her heart can take it. Her teenage heart she fell him for him years ago and when he left her heart shattered and she closed herself off. But there is something different about him now. He isn't holding back. As she tries to figure out their relationship, something else is going on in the Otherworld. Fae warrior women are disappearing only to be brought back in glass caskets, asleep, and with a child in their arms. There is an evil in the Otherworld, but the question is who is it? And what does he want? This story was actually super intriguing. This world has a ton of supernaturals. Callie herself is a siren, the Bargainer is a Fae King, and there are a few other supernaturals you meet. The lore is half of what pulled me in. The other half is all Callie and the Bargainer aka Des. Their history and romance and their relationship were great. The story flips from present day to the past and how they met up to when Des has to leave. The book has tough themes but strong characters. I picked it up and couldn't put it down. And this is just the beginning. I'm looking forward to book two and the rest of the series. 

MOO U COVER REVEALS: BOOKS 1-3

 Moo U Cover Reveals Books 1-3

Moo U Book 1

BLINDSIDED BY VICTORIA DENAULT

Release Date: February 15, 2021
Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3omh4Qh

More about the series here: https://hearteyespress.com/wotn#/moo-u-hockey/
Blurb
What if Romeo wore hockey skates, and Juliet was raised on a farm next door?

As a life-long Vermonter, there are three beliefs I’ve always held true:

1. Our family farm is everything
   2. Hockey is a close second
   3. The Todds next door are our sworn enemies

But this season will test everything I stand for. 

I have an illicit side job that could cost me my hockey scholarship. And now Maggie Todd knows my secret. She’s waiting for the right moment to use it against me. But every time I face off against her, I learn things I shouldn’t want to know. Like how deeply her competitive streak runs, and how sexy that is. And how easy it is to make her blush… everywhere.

An Adler and a Todd cannot be lovers. Breaking that rule is like pulling a pin on a grenade--everything in my life could blow up. Can we surrender to these feelings… or will our families’ feud make us its next casualty?

Moo U Book 2

SLAPSHOT BY REBECCA JENSHAK

Release Date: February 15, 2021
Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2VFqM4b

More about the series: https://hearteyespress.com/wotn#/moo-u-hockey/
Blurb
I’m banished to Vermont for a scandal that wasn’t my fault, and broke because my famous father cut me off. And did I mention my roommate stole my boyfriend? Yeah, I’m loving my Moo U experience. 

Now I need a job, because this gel manicure won’t upkeep itself. The only available option is the last one I’d ever want--a job as the hockey team’s equipment manager. My plan is to do the bare minimum, get paid, and find my way back into my father’s good graces. 

I will not get involved with a hockey player, no matter how hot. They’re cocky. And obnoxious. I know their type, and I’m not willing to risk getting hurt again. Until Lex Vonne glides into my life looking like sin on a stick. 

He thinks I’m a spoiled brat. 
I think he’s using me to get ahead. 
But the fire I feel when we’re together is like a slapshot to my heart…

Moo U Book 3

HOLDOUT BY JAQUELINE SNOWE

Release Date: February 15, 2021
Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2JD9qSZ

More about the series: https://hearteyespress.com/wotn#/moo-u-hockey/
Blurb
Jonah Daniels has enough work preparing for his hockey season without spending time interviewing a roommate to help share expenses. So when some dude answers J.D.’s ad and agrees to his terms, he puts a key under the mat and leaves for practice. 

What he doesn’t expect is that his new roommate is not a dude at all, but an overtalkative, energetic hottie. What’s worse? She’s the younger sister of his friend on the team, and she’s sworn him to secrecy.

Ryann Reiner needs a place to live, stat. After an incident at the dorms that almost tanked her scholarship, Ryann wants a boring roommate who’ll leave her alone. J.D. almost fits the bill. He lives and breathes hockey, just like her brother, and he wouldn’t know a joke unless it hip checked him against the boards.

He’s also gorgeous. And broody. And he looks fine on laundry day, in too little clothing. Soon, late-night study sessions turn into dangerous flirting. And then a kiss turns into more. But they’re determined to keep things in the feelings-free zone. 

Until lines blur and tensions rise when Ryann’s brother learns the truth. And both their hearts are skating on thin ice...

The Cousins by Karen M. McManus

Milly, Aubrey, and Jonah Story are cousins, but they barely know each another, and they've never even met their grandmother. Rich and reclusive, she disinherited their parents before they were born. So when they each receive a letter inviting them to work at her island resort for the summer, they're surprised... and curious.

Their parents are all clear on one point—not going is not an option. This could be the opportunity to get back into Grandmother's good graces. But when the cousins arrive on the island, it's immediately clear that she has different plans for them. And the longer they stay, the more they realize how mysterious—and dark—their family's past is.

The entire Story family has secrets. Whatever pulled them apart years ago isn't over—and this summer, the cousins will learn everything.

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of One of Us Is Lying comes your next obsession. You'll never feel the same about family again. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49757149-the-cousins

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My Review: 4/5 Stars 

Karen M. McManus has had really great mystery YA books and The Cousins is just another great one to add to the collection. There are always a bunch of plot twists that no matter how hard you try to figure out  chances are you aren't going to get it on your first try. I kept making guesses as I was reading and I was always slightly off. So this story follows Milly, Aubrey, and Jonah. They are the story cousins that barely know one another and have never met their grandmother who has invited them to her island resort for the summer. Their parents were all cut off from their grandparents over twenty years earlier and none of them know why. They believe sending their kids to their grandmother will finally get them in her good graces. But there is so much more going on there than any of them could have imagined. And Milly, Aubrey, and Jonah have their own secrets to keep. I can't say too much without spoiling since there were some twists early on in the book. But this book keeps you hooked. You can't help trying to solve each mystery that appears and figure out the truth of what happened to this dysfunctional family. Really great story and I can't wait to read more of McManus's future books.

Ryker Falls Book 5: Hold Me Close by Wendy Vella

Ryker Falls Book 5

The life he has always known is about to change

Findlay Hudson, landed in Ryker Falls, Colorado, leaving a dysfunctional family and his bad attitude behind. He has friends he now thinks of as family, and considers himself happy. All that changes when Maggie Winter, a sexy, alluring red-head, returns to Ryker Falls. She’s had her big London adventure, but Maggie’s clearly hurting and vulnerable now.

They’d always struck sparks off each other, but never moved on them. Second time around though, Fin doesn’t seem able to keep his distance, and suddenly the comfortable life he’d always thought he wanted is turned on its head. Maggie’s arrival brings overwhelming desire and hidden threats. Now Fin’s embroiled in a potential homicide, his estranged father arrives in town, and Maggie… well, Maggie, slides into his heart and this time he can’t shake her.

Coming home was meant to heal her

Maggie Winters left home excited for her big adventure, then everything changed one chilling day when she faced an horrific attack. Determined to put the trauma behind her, she arrives in Ryker Falls, ready for the best acting job of her life. Of course, she’d counted on Fin Hudson, a long tall drink of handsomeness who had always made her feel a little off balance, still keeping his distance. Turns out she was wrong. Way wrong.

Maggie’s defences are weakened and now Fin wants to know what she’s hiding and he’ll do whatever it takes to find out. Fin Hudson could seduce secrets from a stone, but Maggie is no pushover.

With a murder to solve, scars to hide and a business to run, she doesn’t have time for love.

But kisses that touch her soul, a confession and the cheering squad of a close-knit community give her the strength to accept that she and Fin deserve a chance.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56211936-hold-me-close

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Yay! Finally Fin and Maggie's story! It's been a long time coming and it was great! Maggie and Fin have danced around one another since the very beginning. And though they were in denial, everyone else knew there were definitely sparks between the two of them. And in the previous book Maggie had left for a new adventure. Now she is back and things have changed. First off, Maggie has changed. She went through a horrible thing in England and instead of telling anyone, she kept it in believing that she could move past it. She survived, surely that was enough. It wasn't. As soon as she enters Ryker Falls Fin is the first person she sees and he notices right away. Her spark is gone and that is not okay with Fin. Fin is starting to wake up and realize that Maggie may just be the one for him and when she returns he knows something has happened. Now he just needs to figure out what it is and to get her to open up to him. And if that wasn't enough, Fin finds remains in the woods and evidence shows that there could have been a murder at Ryker Falls. But is the killer still around? Maggie and Fin are just perfect for one another. I loved reading their story. It was a long time coming and it was perfect. I adore this series and I cannot wait for more!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

An Ember in the Ashes Series Book 4: A Sky Beyond the Storm by Sabaa Tahir

An Ember in the Ashes Book 4

Prepare for the jaw-dropping finale of Sabaa Tahir's beloved New York Times bestselling An Ember in the Ashes fantasy series, and discover: Who will survive the storm?

Picking up just a few months after A Reaper at the Gates left off...

The long-imprisoned jinn are on the attack, wreaking bloody havoc in villages and cities alike. But for the Nightbringer, vengeance on his human foes is just the beginning.

At his side, Commandant Keris Veturia declares herself Empress, and calls for the heads of any and all who defy her rule. At the top of the list? The Blood Shrike and her remaining family.

Laia of Serra, now allied with the Blood Shrike, struggles to recover from the loss of the two people most important to her. Determined to stop the approaching apocalypse, she throws herself into the destruction of the Nightbringer. In the process, she awakens an ancient power that could lead her to victory--or to an unimaginable doom.

And deep in the Waiting Place, the Soul Catcher seeks only to forget the life--and love--he left behind. Yet doing so means ignoring the trail of murder left by the Nightbringer and his jinn. To uphold his oath and protect the human world from the supernatural, the Soul Catcher must look beyond the borders of his own land. He must take on a mission that could save--or destroy--all that he knows. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52013133-a-sky-beyond-the-storm

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

The end! We have finally made it to the end of this series and let me tell you I was petrified for this book. First off, I should have re-read the previous books before this since it has been so long but like I did with the previous book I did not. But! It came back to me soon enough. It is just one series that is hard to forget. The book in a word was amazing. Truly. A really great end to the series though I will admit there was one particular thing that I did not like and I wish was written differently. I won't say because I don't want to spoil anything. But it was one thing I was worried about and unfortunately it happened. But besides that and even reading the ending I was still content with this story. We are at the end of Elias, Laia, and Helene's story. Each have such a strong role to play and each suffer and endure. Their pain becomes their strength and each rise to save their world. Their journeys long and hard but those three (and a few others) are such favorite characters of mine. And this story just had me hooked chapter by chapter and I hit a point where I didn't know who's point of view I preferred, which I think really is a compliment to the author. Sabaa Tahir gave us quite an amazing series and I sad it is over. Amazing and done so well. I really don't want to spoil so with that said, if you have stuck with the series this far, finish it. It is worth it. These characters deserve to have the rest of their stories told. Great, great book!

The Company Series Book 2: Loverboy by Sarina Bowen

The Company Book 2

Secrets, desires, and exquisite pie. It’s all in a day’s work at The Company.

Growing up, I was the rough guy from the wrong neighborhood who couldn’t catch a break. Posy was the pampered girl I tried to impress. But all she gave me was a single kiss before I had to skip town.

Now I’m back, and the tables are turned. Posy runs a struggling pie shop. I’m the VP of a secretive billion-dollar security company. 

Not that I can tell her.

There’s a murderer on the loose in New York, and he seems to spend a lot of time at Posy’s shop. It’s my job to identify him before he can harm a hair on her pretty head.

Going undercover as Posy’s new barista wasn’t my idea. I don’t even drink coffee. But now I have to call her “boss,” and do everything the curvy perfectionist asks of me. I’d forgotten how much we infuriate each other, and that she somehow fills me with both irritation and desire in the same breath.

There’s nobody more skilled at stealth ops than me. I can bring this killer down. Right after I take a cold shower. And just as soon I figure out how to make a skinny peppermint latte with milk poured in the shape of a kitten... 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54585164-loverboy

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I am loving this series! Honestly, anything by Sarina Bowen is a good book. So this is the second book in The Company series and it follows Gunnar. The right hand man of Max who is currently in charge of the security group. Gunnar is brought back to New York to help Max with a big mission. Max believes that he has a lead that will lead them to a dangerous man that Max has been after for a very long time. The connections are subtle and possibly just coincidence, but Max doesn't believe so. Either way, Gunnar has his back and will do his job. Yet, this isn't his normal job. One, he has to be a barista and for a guy who doesn't drink coffee, well that's a bit of a problem. And two, the job will be for someone who he hasn't seen in fifteen years. Basically the girl that got away. Posy is having a rough time as it is. She's been divorced a year now to an ex who is a jerk and his young girlfriend. All she wants is to keep her business afloat. And she never expects Gunnar to walk back into her life asking for a job. The chemistry between them has always been there, but when Posy first met Gunnar, she knew she wasn't ready for him just yet. Despite the one amazing kiss they shared. But all these years later she starts to wonder if she can find the confidence to make a move and not miss her chance. I love Gunnar and Posy, such great characters and a great couple. I also love The Company. So intriguing and an excellent set of characters. These books keep you hooked with their spy like mysteries and amazing romance. I couldn't put the book down and I cannot wait for the next one!

Black Dagger Brotherhood Book 18.5: A Warm Heart in Winter by J.R. Ward

Black Dagger Brotherhood Book 18.5

#1 New York Times bestselling author J.R. Ward is heating things up this winter with a holiday novel featuring some of her most iconic Black Dagger Brothers.

In this romantic and sexy addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series, a beloved couple has everything arranged... until it all goes horribly wrong.

Blay and Qhuinn always intended to do a proper mating ceremony, but life has a way of getting in the way. With a pair of young, responsibilities to the King, and a grueling fighting schedule, the two are exhausted and overwhelmed. When Qhuinn gives his male the proposal of a lifetime, however, they are excited for their special night and more in love than ever.

Everyone in the Black Dagger Brotherhood’s mansion gets into the preparations, and the after party takes on epic- and immortal- proportions when Lassiter forms the Party Planning Committee. The celebrations promise to be all that the couple deserves... until a Nor’easter land locks Caldwell in a fierce storm, and things go from lighthearted to deadly dangerous.

Battling nature and responding to emergencies, Blay and Qhuinn get separated, and when a catastrophic chain of events puts one of their lives in jeopardy, the night they had so looked forward could mean the end of everything...

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52297989-a-warm-heart-in-winter

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My Review: 5/5 Stars 

SO SO GOOD! This is definitely a favorite of mine for the series. And for so many reasons. First off, love coming back to a story that focuses on Blay and Qhuinn. Their original story was so tough and this one had so many challenges as well but they faced things together. So we got to see where they are at as a couple and with their kids. We got more focus on Zadist this story as well. He was our other primary point of view when it wasn't Blay or Qhuinn. I loved seeing how far he has come because he was another great character I loved. One of the things I loved about this book was that we got to check in and see a lot of people in the mansion. We don't always get a lot of them but this book did a nice job of giving us quite a few who shone for a moment. This book was one of the emotional ones. Everything in life is pretty good until tragedy strikes and throws everyone for a loop. But together, this house filled with so many are just one big family. I don't want to give anything away, but this book was great and had lots of surprises, good and bad. I could not put it down. And of course the banter between everyone is on point and I laughed so hard, which is no surprise. If you loved Blay and Qhuinn, you will love this story because as you know we finally get a mating ceremony and watching them get there was wonderful. Love this series so much and I cannot wait for the next book!